Heritage Railway operating since 1878

In 1878, construction commenced on the Port Augusta and Government Gums (now known as Farina, which is north of the Flinders Ranges) Railway. The line was extended to Oodnadatta in 1891 and further to Alice Springs (771 miles or 1241 km) in 1929, establishing an important rail link to Central Australia. The famous Ghan passenger train travelled this way from 1923 to 1956, and on the northern part of this route until 1980.

You can enjoy a full-day or half-day trip aboard a restored steam or heritage diesel train on the original Ghan route between Port Augusta and Quorn on the Pichi Richi Railway.

Watch gum-lined creeks, bluebush-studded hills and ancient rocky outcrops roll past at the relaxed pace of years gone by. All trains use historic steam or diesel locomotives or railcars or immaculately restored timber carriages some more than 130 years old.

Since 1973, volunteers of the Pichi Richi Railway Preservation Society continue to proudly restore and run the railway.

We operate on selected dates from March to November each year. Check our timetable, then book online or phone 1800 PR RAIL (1800 77 7245). 

COVID-19 update: temporary suspension of train services

Pichi Richi Railway's Executive and managers have been working hard to implement measures in accordance with the government recommendations to keep our customers and volunteers safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.

On 20 March 2020, the Prime Minister announced further restrictions on public gatherings due to the COVID-19 pandemic. After carefully considering the new recommendations in the Prime Minister's media statement, Pichi Richi Railway has decided that it is not viable to operate our heritage train journeys at this time. Accordingly, we have made the difficult decision to temporarily suspend our train services until at least the end of May 2020.

Customers with bookings during this period will be offered a voucher for travel after we reopen, a full refund or the option of converting the booked fare into a tax-deductible donation.

Michael Portillo's Great Australian Railway Journeys to feature Pichi Richi Railway

In this 6-part series of Great Australian Railway Journeys, Michael Portillo, the renowned train enthusiast visited Quorn and travelled on the Pichi Richi Railway, The Ghan and Indian Pacific. 

NSU 52 article in January 2020 Railway Digest

 

Young member Caleb Jenkins has his first major article featured in the January edition of the authoritative Railway Digest with some excellent photographs and information about PRR's latest operational locomotive.

Pichi Richi Railway a finalist in 2019 South Australian Tourism Awards

SATIC 2019 Tourism Awards Finalist logoPichi Richi Railway was a finalist in the 2019 South Australian Tourism Awards, and this was a huge achievement for our tireless and dedicated volunteers, supporters and passengers who for 45 years have kept us steaming through the Flinders Ranges.